By a vote of 235 to 184, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act yesterday - with 35 Republicans voting "yes" (a special shout out to them!). The bill would make it illegal for employers to fire someone simply for being gay or lesbian.
Rep. Tammy Baldwin (Democrat-WI) withdrew her amendment adding transgender protections to the bill, which put the measure over the top.
Yes, transgender Americans should have protections. But in situations like this baby steps are the order of the day. In due time, my friends. In due time. If the issue was forced the entire bill would have gone down to defeat, and who knows when it would have come back for another vote.
Of course, all of this is for naught. President Bush is likely to veto the bill. But a big "hooray" to the U.S. House for having the cajones to bring the bill to the floor.
Now, if they'd be brave enough to vote on that pesky impeachment thing...
